Contradiction with Matthew 5:44
This verse instructs to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, which can be seen as contradicting the specific sacrifice for "the brethren" emphasized in 1 John 3:16.
Matthew 5:44: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Contradiction with Matthew 10:34
Here, Jesus states He came not to bring peace but a sword, contradicting the message of love and self-sacrifice in 1 John 3:16.
Matthew 10:34: Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Contradiction with Luke 14:26
This verse speaks of needing to hate one's family to follow Jesus, contrasting with the call to lay down one's life for the brethren in 1 John 3:16.
Luke 14:26: If any [man] come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
Contradiction with James 2:17
Emphasizes faith accompanied by works, which appears to require more than the simple act of love described in 1 John 3:16.
James 2:17: Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [alone: Gr. by itself]
Contradiction with Romans 12:19
Advises against taking vengeance, placing actions in God's hands, which may contradict the proactive sacrifice implied in 1 John 3:16.
Romans 12:19: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Paradox #1
One possible contradiction in 1 John 3:16 could be the challenge of balancing self-sacrifice with personal well-being. While the verse encourages laying down one's life for others, it could conflict with the moral responsibility to care for oneself and ensure one's own well-being. This can create tension between selflessness and self-care.